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Questions about volunteering? OFB answers

Volunteers want to know ...

Do I need to sign up in advance?
How do I schedule myself? A group?
Can children volunteer?
Can I bring a school group or scout troop?
Do I need to make an ongoing commitment?
What if I need to cancel?
Can I complete my community service hours at Oregon Food Bank?
What's the difference between volunteering at Oregon Food Bank in Portland and Hillsboro?
Can you accommodate volunteers with disabilities?

Where are you located?

What if I have more questions?

Q. Do I need to sign up in advance?

A. Yes. Volunteers need to sign up in advance. We plan projects and assign staff based on the number of volunteers we've scheduled.

Q. How do I register to volunteer

A. To register, click the appropriate link below.

Questions? E-mail volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org or call 503-972-2993.

Q. Can children participate?

A. Yes. We welcome and encourage children to volunteer. The minimum age varies depending on the volunteer project.

Age requirements:

  • Volunteer Action Center: Portland, ages 6 and up. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Perishable Repack Room and Fresh Alliance: Ages 16 and up.
  • Food Resource Center: Ages 16 and up.
  • Garden: All ages. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Off-site events: Ages 16 and up. Sixteen year-old volunteers must be accompanied by an adult.

All youth under 18 years-old must bring a signed youth release form to their first volunteer shift.

Q. Can I bring a school class our scout troop?

A. Yes. We are eager to host student and youth groups for a day of service learning. The two-hour volunteer shift includes hands-on food repacking and education on hunger issues and ways that young people can help. Groups of up to 35 students with chaperones are welcome.

Register your group to volunteer

Read OFB's chaperone guidelines

Print and fill out a copy of our group roster

View OFB's Hunger Buster Curriculum


 

Q. Do I need to make an ongoing commitment?

A. It depends on the project. We don't need an ongoing commitment for work in the Volunteer Action Center, Learning Gardens, special events or food transportation.

We require varying commitment for the Food Recovery Center, Fresh Alliance, Nutrition Education, Speakers’ Bureau, office projects and some Learning Garden roles.

Q. What if I need to cancel?

A. We understand that things come up in life and that you may need to cancel. We ask that you notify us as soon as possible to cancel your shift. E-mail volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org or call 503-972-2993.

 

Q. Can I complete my community service hours at Oregon Food Bank?

A. Yes. Please complete the volunteer application and let us know how many hours you need to complete.

If you'd like to fulfill court mandated community service at Oregon Food Bank, you can do so through your probation officer.  OFB receives referrals directly from the county office or from individuals.  If you are not referred, please provide court documentation of the offense, number of hours completed, deadline for completion and a court contact.  OFB does not accept applicants who have committed violent offenses or identity theft.

Q. What's the difference between volunteering at OFB's facility in Portland and its facility in Hillsboro?

A. Oregon Food Bank's facility in Portland includes both statewide operations and a distribution center serving 300 hunger-relief agencies in Multnomah, Clackamas and Clark counties. This location is often able to accommodate larger groups in its Volunteer Action Center and Learning Gardens.

The Hillsboro facility serves hunger-relief agencies in Washington County. Volunteer activities are designed for individuals or smaller groups.

Q. Can you accommodate volunteers with disabilities?

A. Yes. However, to ensure a successful experience, please contact the volunteer program manager or coordinator to discuss accommodations needed.

Q. Where are you located?

A. Our Portland warehouse and offices are at 7900 NE 33rd Drive. Our Hillsboro facility is at 21485 N.W. Mauzey Road. view directions


 

Q. What if I have more questions?

A. Please contact us with other questions about volunteer opportunities and scheduling.

 

OFB Volunteer Department

volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org

503-972-2993.

 

 

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This material is based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research,
Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2001-45052-01277.